Juice drives passion fruit export surge as Peru regains ground

Peruvian passion fruit exports scored $40 million in revenue between January and June 2025, according to the Agro-Exports Management division of the Association of Exporters (ADEX). The uptick represents a 36 percent increase year-over-year, following a 10.7 percent contraction in total exports in 2024.

The Netherlands was the leading destination, receiving $16.6 million worth of shipments. The European country was responsible for 41.5 percent of Peru’s total passion fruit exports, resulting in a 32.4 percent year-over-year market share increase for the Andean country. 

Other key markets included the United States ($8.1 million), France ($4.3 million), Chile ($3.8 million), Puerto Rico ($1.1 million), and Italy ($1 million). All markets posted double-digit growth, with France (65.8 percent) and Chile (67.1 percent) registering the highest increases.

Juice remained the dominant product in the passion fruit category, accounting for $20.4 million in exports (51.1 percent of total), with demand rising 36 percent. Concentrate followed at $11.5 million (up 28.3 percent), and pulp at $6.4 million (up 59.7 percent).

Additional exports included fresh passion fruit ($494,600), beverages ($441,190), Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) products ($425,330), oil ($134,080), preserves ($127,000), essence S$47,100), aroma ($26,830), and nectar ($18,810).

Exotics market continues to drive passions

Global exports of tropical fruits reached an estimated record high of 11 million tons in 2023, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 

While tropical fruits account for only about three percent of total global agricultural food exports by volume, their high average export unit value—exceeding $1,000 per ton—makes them the third most valuable fruit category globally, following bananas and apples.

This rising interest, along with more health-driven consumer choices, has pushed fruits like passion fruit further up shopping lists. A report titled Passion Fruit: Evolution of the International and Domestic Market, issued by the Centre for Global Economy and Business Research, stated that the global market for passion fruit and other exotic fruits reached $3.875 billion in 2024—up 9.7 percent from the previous year. Peru ranked 11th among global suppliers and third in Latin America, behind Ecuador and Colombia.

The report also noted that between 2000 and 2024, Peruvian passion fruit exports grew at an average annual rate of 7 percent, largely due to a production peak in 2023. However, the sector faced setbacks in 2024 due to adverse weather conditions and pests such as ovary flies and mites.

*All photos courtesy of ADEX.

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